Proverbs 11:9 Meaning and Explanation
“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hypocrisy spoken by the deceitful destroys others; knowledge protects the upright.
The Context of Proverbs 11:9
The power of speech to harm or protect.
What Does Proverbs 11:9 Mean?
A hypocrite—one who professes one thing while being another—uses words as a weapon. The false neighbor, the two-faced friend, damages trust and harms others through deception and broken covenant. Speech becomes an instrument of destruction.
Knowledge—insight into what is true, real, and reliable—is the defense of the just. Rather than being deceived and destroyed by the hypocrite's words, the just one's understanding provides protection and deliverance from the snare of false counsel.
Proverbs 11:9 in the Original Language
chanef (חָנֵף), 'hypocrite' — one who hides his true nature behind false profession.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 11:9
What does Proverbs 11:9 mean?
Hypocrisy spoken by the deceitful destroys others; knowledge protects the upright.
What is the context of Proverbs 11:9?
The power of speech to harm or protect.